August 1: Police Insist On Right To Request Protesters’ Details

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has dismissed the accusations of trying to rewrite the constitution by requesting for the details of the leaders of all protesting groups ahead of the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, maintaining that the request is within the police’s job description.

The police chief was reacting to accusations made by an activist, Mr. Deji Adeyanju and others where they alleged that the IGP is attempting to rewrite the constitution by requesting for the details of organisers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests.

The Nigeria Police maintained that request for the details of protests’ organisers and their leaders including the schedules of their protests detailing location, period, routes and other information is a standard procedure to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent any unlawful activities.

The police also said it is essential to know the planners of such assembly (protests) in each state as allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked could jeopardise the peace and stability of the country.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses the recent accusations made by one activist, Deji Adeyanju, and others via various fora, alleging that the IGP is attempting to rewrite the constitution by requesting the details of the organizers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests.

“It is vital to clarify that the IGP has never denied the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of association and expression, but has rather, at every point, emphasised that the right is that to peaceful assembly and expression. Also, the Nigeria Police holds the responsibility to ensure that any activity, including protests, does not pose a threat to national security.

“In this wise, requesting the details of protest organisers and their leaders and the schedules of their protests which include location, period, routes etc, is a standard procedure to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent any unlawful activities.

“It is also vital for Deji Adeyanju to note that in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons as enshrined in Section 45 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this request by the IGP is not out of place.”

Adejobi further stressed that knowing the planners in each states was essential “as allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked could jeopardise the peace and stability of the country, and leave us with pains, sorrows and tears as experienced in the 2020 violent EndSARS protests.

“If organised labour and other recognised bodies were involved, it would have provided a more structured and safer environment for such public protests.

“While the police urges Mr. Adeyanju and other organisers not to mislead Nigerians. We therefore call on them to join hands in working together to uphold the security and well-being of our nation.”